Sports Direct says Mike Ashley to review casual worker conditions

Sports Direct, Britain's biggest sportswear retailer, said its founder and deputy chairman Mike Ashley will personally oversee a review of its agency workers' terms and conditions following criticism of the firm's practices.

Sports Direct, Britain's biggest sportswear retailer, said its founder and deputy chairman Mike Ashley will personally oversee a review of its agency workers' terms and conditions following criticism of the firm's practices.

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Sports Direct says Mike Ashley to review casual worker conditions

Independent.ie

Sports Direct, Britain's biggest sportswear retailer, said its founder and deputy chairman Mike Ashley will personally oversee a review of its agency workers' terms and conditions following criticism of the firm's practices.

It said Ashley's review, to start next month, will ensure Sports Direct "does not just meet its legal obligations, but also provides a good environment for the entire workforce."

The FTSE 100 company has been in the spotlight after the Guardian newspaper reported last week that lengthy and unpaid security checks of staff at its main warehouse in Shirebrook, central England, meant that some workers effectively earned less than legal levels.

"The board has agreed that Mike Ashley shall personally oversee a review of all agency worker terms and conditions to ensure the company does not just meet its legal obligations, but also provides a good environment for the entire workforce," the company said.

Ashley will start work on the review next month.

Sports Direct also hit back at some of what it called "unfounded criticisms" it has received.

"Various parties have chosen to ignore the facts provided and have continued to present an unfair portrayal of the company's employment practices," it said.

Sports Direct shares, down 17 percent over the last month, were down 0.3 percent at 574.3 pence at 0813 GMT.